
KCET 2026 is one of the most important state-level entrance exams conducted for admission into engineering, pharmacy, and other professional courses. Conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority, the KCET Exam 2026 will take place in April with a structured offline format. Candidates who have completed the KCET Application form must now focus on preparation as the exam dates are scheduled for April 22 (Kannada Language Test), and April 23 & 24, 2026.
The exam follows an objective-type pattern with a total of 180 marks and no negative marking, making accuracy and speed equally important. Along with understanding the KCET Exam syllabus, candidates should also stay updated with details like KCET exam fees, eligibility criteria, and KCET 2026 exam pattern to plan their preparation effectively.
KCET 2026 is officially known as the Karnataka Common Entrance Test. The exam takes place once every year in offline mode. KCET 2026 covers subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, depending on the course selected. The exam duration is 4 hours, and candidates must attempt objective-type questions.
| KCET 2026 Overview | |
| Parameter | Details |
| Full Exam Name | Karnataka Common Entrance Test |
| Exam Level | State Level |
| Conducting Authority | Karnataka Examinations Authority |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Exam Duration | 4 Hours |
| Language | English + Kannada |
| Number of Participating Colleges | 217 |
| Frequency | Once a Year |
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) began the KCET 2026 application process on 16 January 2026 by activating the registration link on its official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. Candidates must complete the online form, upload documents, and pay the application fee before the last date. KCET Registration 2026 requires accurate personal details, academic information, and category details. Any mistake may lead to corrections later during the application correction window.
KCET Exam 2026 is conducted for admission to undergraduate professional courses. It evaluates candidates based on their knowledge of core science subjects.
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KCET Exam 2026 Highlights |
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|
Parameter |
Details |
|
Full Exam Name |
Karnataka Common Entrance Test |
|
Short Exam Name |
KCET |
|
Conducting Body |
Karnataka Examinations Authority |
|
Frequency Of Conduct |
Once a year |
|
Exam Level |
State Level Exam |
|
Languages |
English + 1 more |
|
Mode Of Application |
Online |
|
Application Fee |
Offline: 500 + 1 more |
|
Mode Of Exam |
Offline |
|
Mode Of Counseling |
Online + 1 more |
|
Participating Colleges |
217 |
|
Exam Duration |
4 Hours |
Candidates must stay updated with the KCET Exam 2026 schedule to avoid missing deadlines.
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KCET Exam Important Dates 2026 |
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|
Event |
Dates |
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Application Starts |
January 16, 2026 |
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Last Date to Apply (without late fees) |
February 27, 2026 |
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KCET 2026 registration Fee Payment |
March 7, 2026 |
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Application Correction |
February 24, 2026 to March 30, 2026 |
|
Admit Card Release |
April 10, 2026 |
|
KCET Exam Date |
April 23 and 24, 2026 |
|
Kannada Language Test |
April 22, 2026 |
|
Answer Key Release |
April/May 2026 |
|
KCET Result Announcement |
May 2026 |
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Counselling Starts |
1st Week of June 2026 |
KCET 2026 application form must be filled online through the official KEA website. Candidates must enter personal, academic, and contact details correctly.
Steps to fill KCET Application form:
Visit the official website
Fill basic details like SSLC register number and passing year
Login using ID and password
Enter academic details and exam centre preferences
Upload required documents (photo, signature, thumb impression)
Submit the form and save confirmation page
Candidates must verify all details carefully before final submission.
The KCET exam fees vary based on category and domicile.
|
Category |
Fee |
|
Karnataka Residents (GM/2A/2B/3A/3B) |
Rs. 500 |
|
Karnataka SC/ST Category-1/Female |
Rs. 250 |
|
Candidates from Outside Karnataka |
Rs. 750 |
|
International Candidates |
Rs. 5,000 |
Payment can be made through UPI, bank transfer, or demand draft
The application fee is non-refundable
Candidates must meet eligibility criteria based on the course they wish to pursue.
Qualification: Passed 12th or equivalent
Marks: 45% (40% for reserved categories)
Subjects: Physics, Mathematics + one additional subject
Appearing students can apply
Qualification: 12th or 3-year diploma
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
Additional Requirement: Valid NATA 2026 score
Qualification: 12th or diploma in Pharmacy
Marks: 45% (40% for reserved categories)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics
Qualification: 12th or equivalent
Marks: 50% (40% for reserved categories)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English
KCET Exam 2026 will be conducted offline and consists of objective-type questions.
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KCET Exam Pattern 2026 |
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|
Aspect |
Details |
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Total Marks |
180 marks |
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Marks Distribution |
60 marks per subject |
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Mode of Exam |
Offline (Pen and Paper) |
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Duration |
80 minutes (1 hour 20 minutes) |
|
Number of Questions |
60 questions per subject |
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Question Type |
Objective-type questions |
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Marking Scheme |
1 mark for each correct answer |
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Negative Marking |
No negative marking |
KCET exam centres are spread across multiple districts in Karnataka. Candidates can choose preferred centres during application. Some major centres include:
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KCET Exam Centres 2026 |
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Exam Centre |
Exam Centre |
Exam Centre |
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Bagalkot |
Chitradurga |
Mangalore |
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Jamkhandi |
Davangere |
Moodabidre |
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Bangalore |
Dharwad |
Puttur |
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Doddaballapur |
Hubli |
Ujire |
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Belgaum |
Gadag |
Mysore |
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Athani |
Gulbarga |
Raichur |
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Chikodi |
Hassan |
Ramanagara |
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Gokak |
Haveri |
Channapatna |
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Bellary |
Karwar |
Shimoga |
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Hospet |
Dandeli |
Bhadravathi |
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Bidar |
Kumta |
Sagar |
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Basavakalyan |
Sirsi |
Tumkur |
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Bhalki |
Kolar |
Tiptur |
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Bijapur |
KGF |
Udupi |
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Chamarajanagar |
Koppal |
Karkala |
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Kollegal |
Madikeri |
Kundapura |
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Chikkaballapur |
Mandya |
Yadgir |
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Chikmagalur |
Krishnarajpet |
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The KCET Exam syllabus is based on the Karnataka CET syllabus for Class 11 and 12 as prescribed by the Department of Pre-University Education, Karnataka.
Subjects included:
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
Biology
Candidates can download subject-wise syllabus PDFs from the official website.
Preparing for KCET Exam 2026 requires a structured strategy and consistent practice. Below are some effective KCET 2026 preparation tips:
Go through the complete syllabus to know important topics and weightage. Focus more on high-scoring and frequently asked areas.
Divide your time across Physics, Chemistry, and Math/Biology equally. Stick to a daily schedule to ensure consistent preparation.
Solve KCET Exam 2026 previous papers to understand question patterns. This also helps improve speed and accuracy.
NCERT books are essential for building strong concepts. Most questions are directly or indirectly based on NCERT.
Attempt mock tests to simulate real exam conditions. Analyze your mistakes and improve weak areas.
Practice solving questions within the given time limit. This will help you complete the paper efficiently during the actual exam.
Start your KCET 2026 preparation today with a clear strategy, regular practice, and the right resources. You can also join PW KCET batches to get structured courses, guidance, and targeted mock tests practice. Stay updated with the latest exam notifications, syllabus changes, and important dates to maximize your chances of securing a top rank.